We have an email from a young man, Stephen, who is currently enrolled in the very fine

institution called Bethlehem College and Seminary Stephen.

Right then to ask this pastor, John, I was born and raised in Minneapolis and I happened

to be an African-American.

I am convinced that all believers should view the Bible with reformed eyes.

No race is disqualified from enjoying the goodness of the gospel with a reformed mindset.

So why do you think the black people like myself are few in reformed circles?

I'm not better, nor do I question God.

I'm just curious how you view this phenomenon.

Well, I view that question with a lot of thankfulness because anybody who, number one, cares

about the issue of racial, harmony and cares about biblical doctrine and who's not bitter

and who's not questioning God, what a great combination.

So praise God and I'm thankful.

This is risky to talk about anything to do with race is risky.

But this one especially because it's so easy and answering a question like this to fall

in just stereotypes in both directions, white or black or any other ethnicity.

But I settled it a long time ago and I would invite other folks to do the same.

I settled it a long time ago that the risks of wrestling with these issues out loud for

others to hear are more hopeful than the risks of keeping your mouth shut forever about

these issues and supposedly playing it safe.

That's a lot of pastors do and a lot of leaders, a lot of people that just want to get attacked

and so they don't say anything which I think in the long run is less helpful.

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